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Curls Guide
Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Creme by John Frieda
cream
Protein Free
Vegan
Cruelty Free

John Frieda

Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Creme

"An affordable curl cream that defines and smooths waves with all-day soft hold. Contains silicones so not CGM-friendly, but effective for taming frizz and enhancing curl clumping."

Best for:
Waves and curls wanting definition without crunch Those who don't follow strict CGM Medium to high porosity hair Budget shoppers wanting a styling cream
Avoid if:
Following strict CGM (contains silicones) Low porosity hair prone to buildup Want strong hold for humid climates Fragrance-sensitive

Hair Compatibility

Curl Pattern

2A 2B 2C 3A 3B 3C

Strand Thickness

fine
medium
coarse

Porosity

medium
high

Performance

Definition 4/5
Hold 3/5
Shine 4/5
Crunch Potential 2/5
Buildup Risk 3/5
Hold Level
Medium Hold
Weight
Light
Finish
Soft, No Cast
Buildup Risk
Medium

What's Inside

Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil (Abyssinian Oil)

Lightweight oil for shine and smoothing

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba Oil)

Moisturises without heaviness

Silicone Quaternium-18

Smoothing and conditioning silicone

Polyurethane-34

Flexible hold and curl clumping

Protein Free
Sulfate Free
View Full Ingredients List

Aqua (Water), Stearyl Alcohol, Polyurethane-34, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cetyl Alcohol, Laureth-3, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ceteareth-25, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Laureth-7, Behenyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Silicone Quaternium-18, Methylpropanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Parfum (Fragrance), Trideceth-6, Trideceth-12, Caprylyl Glycol, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Phenylpropanol, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool

Analyze these ingredients with our Ingredient Checker tool.

How to Use

Best as: Styler

Pairs Well With

Alternatives to Consider

Overview

John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Creme is a lightweight styling cream designed to enhance curl definition whilst keeping hair soft and touchable. Enriched with Abyssinian Oil and Jojoba Oil, it provides medium hold without stiffness or crunch. The formula contains silicones for smoothing, meaning it’s not CGM-approved, but it remains a popular choice for curlies seeking an accessible, budget-friendly curl cream.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Abyssinian Oil (Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil) - A lightweight oil with excellent slip that adds shine and smoothness without weighing down fine hair.
  • Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil) - Closely mimics natural sebum, providing balanced moisture without greasiness.
  • Silicone Quaternium-18 - A conditioning silicone that provides smoothing, detangling, and anti-static benefits.
  • Polyurethane-34 - A flexible film-former that helps curls clump and hold their shape without becoming stiff.

What We Love

  1. Soft, touchable finish - No crunch or stiffness
  2. Good curl clumping - Helps curls form defined spirals
  3. Lightweight formula - Won’t weigh down fine to medium hair
  4. Budget-friendly - Often on offer at major retailers
  5. All-day hold - Curls stay defined throughout the day
  6. Protein-free - Safe for protein-sensitive hair

What Could Be Better

  1. Contains silicones - Not CGM-friendly, needs clarifying
  2. Medium hold only - May not survive high humidity
  3. Strong fragrance - Noticeable and lasting scent
  4. Buildup potential - Requires regular clarifying

How to Use

For Defined, Soft Curls

  1. Apply to clean, damp hair (towel-dried or soaking wet)
  2. Take a 10p-sized amount for medium-length hair
  3. Rub between palms to warm and distribute
  4. Use praying hands motion to smooth through lengths
  5. Scrunch upward to encourage curl formation
  6. Diffuse or air dry

Layering with Mousse

For enhanced volume and hold:

  1. Apply mousse first to damp hair and scrunch
  2. Follow with a small amount of curl creme
  3. Use praying hands to smooth and seal
  4. Diffuse for faster drying

Pro Tip

Less is more with this cream. Start with a small amount and add more if needed—too much can leave hair feeling coated. If you find it leaves residue, reduce the amount and ensure you’re clarifying every 2-3 weeks.

The Verdict

John Frieda Dream Curls Curl Defining Creme is a solid performer for those who don’t strictly follow CGM. It provides noticeable curl definition, all-day hold, and a soft, touchable finish—all at a budget-friendly price. The Abyssinian and Jojoba oils add a nice shine without excessive weight.

However, the silicone content means you’ll need to incorporate regular clarifying into your routine to prevent buildup. If you’re committed to CGM, look elsewhere. But for wavies and curlies who want an accessible, effective curl cream from the high street, this is worth a try.

Our Rating: 3.5/5